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Frequently Asked Questions

Click below to find the answers to many frequently asked questions about Community Safety.

  • Q. What is Community Safety?
    A.      Community Safety is about making our communities safer and better places to live and work in. It is concerned with reducing Crime and Disorder by:
    - responding to anxiety 
    - tackling the causes 
    - supporting the victims      
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  • Q. What is a CDRP/CSP?
    A. Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs), also known as Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs), are based on district/borough boundaries.  CDRPs/CSPs were set up to comply with the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and there are nine in Derbyshire.
    This act requires that local authorities, police forces, police authorities, fire services and health authorities set up a CDRP/CSP to work with other Partners and the community and the voluntary sector to tackle crime, disorder, anti-social behaviour and substance misuse in their area.
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  • Q. Is it a legal duty for public services to consider Community Safety?
    A. Yes. Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 requires local authorities to consider crime and disorder reduction in the exercise of all their duties, activities and decision-making. This means that all policies, strategies and service delivery need to consider the likely impact on crime and disorder. This legal responsibility affects all council services as well as those agencies that are contracted by, or that legally contract to work in partnership with, the council in the provision of services. 
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  • Q. What is Safer Derbyshire?
    A.     A multi-agency partnership working under one roof at County Hall, Matlock. The agencies involved include Derbyshire County Council’s Community Safety Unit and Older Adults (Domestic Abuse/Adult Protection), Research and Information Team, Derbyshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team, Derbyshire  Youth Offending Service, Police and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service. 
    These agencies are committed to working together and with CDRPs/CSPs to reduce crime and risks to safety and to maintain quality of life for people who live, work in and visit the area. 
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  • Q. How do I report a crime?
    A.      1. By calling 999 (in an emergency)
         2. By calling the police non-emergency number: 0845 123 33 33
         3. By calling Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555111
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  • Q. I'd like to report a crime but don't want to give my name. Can I do this?
    A.     Yes, you can do it in any of the following ways: 
    1. By calling 999 (in an emergency)
    2. By calling the police non-emergency number: 0845 123 33 33
    3. By calling Crimestoppers anonymously on freephone 0800 555111 
    It is important to remember that not providing a name can severely restrict police enquiries and therefore you are encouraged to provide your details where possible. 
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  • Q. What are PCSOs?
    A.     Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are uniformed civilian staff who complement and support police officers within local communities by addressing many of the quality of life issues that affect neighbourhoods.
    The role of a PCSO includes providing a high visibility reassurance presence, patrolling areas with identified problems and supporting partnership work. They do not have the powers of a police officer but have already made a significant contribution to many communities.
    Derbyshire's PCSOs will have the power to issue fixed penalty notices for minor offences such as dropping litter, cycling offences, dog fouling and throwing fireworks, seizing and confiscating alcohol and tobacco from young people and seizing vehicles causing alarm and distress. Numbers of PCSOs are increasing all the time and by April 2008 there will be around 300 PCSOs deployed onto the streets of Derbyshire. 
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  • Q. Where can I get crime prevention advice?
    A.     There are several ways to get crime prevention advice. You can contact your local Crime Reduction Officer via the police non-emergency number: 0845 123 33 33. Alternatively, you can find details of your local police services on the Derbyshire Police website. The free booklet ‘Your Practical Guide to Crime Prevention’ has over 100 tips on preventing crime. It is available on line via the Crime Reduction website or from your local Crime Reduction Officer.
    The Staying Safe section of the Safer Derbyshire website provides advice to help keep you, your household and your possessions safe and secure whether you are at home, out in the evening, surfing the internet or on the move. 
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  • Q: What is Anti-Social Behaviour?
    A:     The anti-social behaviour section of the Safer Derbyshire website provides comprehensive information on what anti-social behaviour is, what you can do if you are experiencing it, how to report it, what type of action agencies may take to tackle it and what is happening in Derbyshire to reduce it.
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  • Q: How do I report problems of Anti-Social Behaviour?
    A:     To find out which agency you should contact to report anti-social behaviour, use the search facility within the anti-social behaviour section of the Safer Derbyshire website.
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  • Q: What can be done to reduce Anti-Social Behaviour?
    A:     A wide range of agencies across Derbyshire are working in partnership to tackle anti-social behaviour using a variety of tools, which may combine prevention, education and enforcement. Information on the tools available can be found in the anti-social behaviour section of the Safer Derbyshire website.
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  • Q. How can I improve the security of my home?
    A.     The Staying Safe at Home section of the Safer Derbyshire website provides you with information on home security including protecting yourself and your property from intruders, recognising bogus callers and staying safe while surfing the internet. 
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  • Q. What can I do to reduce my chances of becoming a victim of vehicle crime?
    A. The Vehicle Security section of the Safer Derbyshire website provides tips and advice that are worth knowing to keep you or your vehicle safe.
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  • Q. How do I protect myself while I'm out and about?
    A.     The Out and About section of the Safer Derbyshire website provides tips and advice to help you stay safe whether you are out in your car, using public transport or out on the town. 
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  • Q. How can I find out about my local Neighbourhood Watch scheme?
    A.     You can contact the Derbyshire Police Community Involvement Officer Sandra Haycock on 01773 572938, or e-mail sandra.haycock.9126@derbyshire.pnn.police.uk to find details of Neighbourhood Watch schemes in your area.
    If there is no scheme in your area and you want to set one up, visit the Derbyshire Police website for more information.
    Neighbourhood Watch schemes are very popular and many insurance companies offer a discount on home insurance if you are a member of a scheme.
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  • Q. Who can I call for help/advice about problems relating to Domestic Abuse issues?
    A.     The Domestic Abuse section of the Safer Derbyshire website provides details of the help available and a resource directory for all services and forums in Derbyshire.
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  • Q. Someone I know is using illegal drugs. Where can they get help and advice?
    A.     The Drugs and Alcohol section of the Safer Derbyshire website contains details of services available and helplines for both national and local organisations.
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  • Q. Someone I know has an alcohol problem. Where can they get help and advice?
    A.     The Drugs and Alcohol section of the Safer Derbyshire website contains details of services available and helplines for both national and local organisations.
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  • Q: What do I do if I am suffering from a problem with nuisance motorcycles?
    A:     Inappropriate use of motorcycles off-road can disturb local residents, damage the environment and put the safety of walkers, families and horse riders using footpaths and bridleways at risk. The Police have the power to caution motorcyclists who cause alarm, distress or annoyance to the public. If they are caught causing similar problems after receiving such a caution, their motorbikes will be seized until a fee is paid and crushed if the payment is not made. They will also be charged with motoring offences where applicable such as having no licence, MOT or insurance. To find out which agency you should contact to report nuisance motorcycles, use the search facility within the anti-social behaviour section of the Safer Derbyshire website.
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  • Q: How do I get help to deal with noisy neighbours?
    A:      Try talking to your neighbours first to resolve any problems. If taking a direct approach does not work, or you do not feel able to approach your neighbour, you may want to consider mediation. Mediation will involve an independent third party working with both parties to reach an agreement or compromise. If you have not been able to resolve the problem with your neighbour, use the search facility within the anti-social behaviour section of the Safer Derbyshire website to find out where to report the problem.
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  • Q: I see rubbish being dumped most weeks near my house, what can I do to make this stop?
    A:     Rubbish being dumped is also known as flytipping. To find out which agency you should contact to report flytipping, use the search facility within the anti-social behaviour section of the Safer Derbyshire website.
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  • Q. Youths are continually hanging around on my street. What can I do?
    A.     First ask yourself if they are really causing any harm. 
    If youths are causing a problem and you need immediate assistance, contact Derbyshire Constabulary on 0845 123 3333.
    If they are causing a problem over a longer period of time, e.g. being abusive or causing damage, keep a diary for a week or two detailing exactly what is happening; then speak to your local Police Beat Officer. You can find details of your local Beat Officer on the Derbyshire Police website. Diary sheets are available to download from the anti-social behaviour section of the Safer Derbyshire website.
    Alternatively, you can contact the anti-social behaviour officer based within your local Community Safety Partnership. Contact details are available in the anti-social behaviour section of the Safer Derbyshire website.
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  • Q. I know an off-licence that is selling alcohol to underage children, what can I do?
    A.     It is illegal to sell alcohol to young people under the age of 18.  If you know an off licence that is selling alcohol you should report this to Derbyshire Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. You can also report the trader on line using the Contact Us section of the Consumer Direct website. Any person selling alcohol to under 18s could face a fine of up to £1000. 
    Derbyshire Trading Standards also deal with underage sales of knives, butane gas and fireworks. Like alcohol, these products are covered by an 18 age limit.  Illegal sales should be reported in the same way. 
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  • Q. I have a problem with people attempting to sell goods on my doorstep. What can I do?
    A.     Report any unwanted doorstep sellers to Derbyshire Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. If bogus callers or distraction burglars are causing a problem in your area Derbyshire Trading Standards can help local residents to set up a No Cold Calling Zone. You can find details of The Doorstep Code on the Safer Derbyshire website. Advice is also available on the Consumer Direct website and you can use this site to make an online complaint about a doorstep trader. 
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  • Q. What if it gets to the stage where everyone is sick of nuisance in our area and we want to provide something for young people to do?
    A.     You can contact your local Community Safety Partnership to discuss activities for young people in your area. Contact details are available in the Partnerships section of the Safer Derbyshire website. 
    Alternatively, you may wish to contact your local Parish/Town Council. Contact details are available in The Derbyshire Directory. 
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  • Q. I am looking for funding for my community project, who can help?
    A.     The Big Lottery Fund provides grants of between £300 and £10,000 to community groups through their “Awards for All” scheme. You can contact them by telephone on 0845 4102030.                           
    If you require practical help and support in making applications to the Lottery, you can contact the Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) and speak to their specialist funding officers who have local knowledge, expertise and may be aware of other funding sources: 
    - Amber Valley 01773 512076
    - Bolsover and District 01246 241730
    - Chesterfield and NE Derbyshire 01246 274844 
    - Derbyshire Dales 01629 812154
    - Erewash 0115 8490400
    - High Peak 01663 735350
    - South Derbyshire 01283 550163
    Your local parish, district or county councillor may also have a small funding pot available for community groups
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